24 March 2026
As part of Op Predict - our ongoing partnership with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary and Southampton City Council - a new forensic technology is being rolled out across the city to help reduce retail crime, support businesses, and create a safer environment for staff, shoppers, and visitors.
On Thursday, 19 March, Police officers and GO! Southampton security staff completed training in the use of SelectaDNA – an innovative tagging and property‑marking system designed to deter criminality and support the rapid identification of offenders.
To help identify shoplifters, police officers and security staff will soon begin carrying SelectaDNA tagging spray. This spray releases a completely invisible, harmless solution that sticks to skin, hair, and clothing. Only under UV light does the spray become visible, and each canister contains its own unique DNA code, meaning anyone sprayed during an incident — including shoplifters who attempt to flee — can be directly linked to a specific time and place. The solution can remain detectable for months, even after washing, allowing officers to identify suspects long after an offence.
To protect stock and help reunite stolen items with their rightful owners, many local retailers will also begin using SelectaDNA property‑marking kits. These kits apply a clear adhesive containing a unique DNA code and ‘microdots’ to items. Each microdot carries a reference number registered to a specific owner or location and can be read under a microscope — effectively acting as a tiny, secure barcode that proves ownership. However, even if thieves remove the microdots, the unique DNA code left behind can still be analysed to trace the item back to its registered owner. The solution is again completely safe and extremely difficult to remove, making it a strong deterrent for anyone considering theft.
Jade McCauley, Operations Manager at GO! Southampton said: “We’re committed to supporting our businesses with practical solutions that help them tackle retail crime head-on. The introduction of SelectaDNA gives our security teams and retailers another tool in the belt — strengthening their ability to deter offending, protect stock, and support enforcement action when incidents occur.
Retail crime has a direct impact on business confidence and the wider city centre economy. By working in partnership with Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary to roll out this technology, we’re taking a proactive step to safeguard our businesses and ensure Southampton remains a vibrant and secure place to work, live and visit.”
Inspector Tim Williams said: “Reducing retail crime remains a priority for us, and SelectaDNA gives officers and security staff a safe and highly effective tool to identify offenders and reunite goods with their rightful owners.
“This technology has already helped cut crime in other parts of the country, and its introduction in Southampton strengthens our ability to hold those who choose to offend to account.
“Retail crime will never be accepted in our city. By working closely with GO! Southampton and deploying SelectaDNA, we are sending a clear message: if you commit retail crime here, you will be identified, you will be pursued, and we will work tirelessly to bring you to justice.”